Job Discussion Forums

[travelinhobo]

Hi everyone-
I've been putting off getting a TESOL cert. for a couple of years, but I'm going to do it now. Even tho I've read this site and others for a while, I still have some newbie questions I hope you experienced people can help me with. Keep in mind I do have extensive one-on-one experience teaching English, but no uni degree.
1. Do you have to be in your native country to acquire a visa for school hire? I'm assuming no, since people go abroad, get the cert. and job at the same time. But would like to know for sure.
2. What is the average amount of time for finding a position while/after obtaining the certificate? ( have experience at 1 on 1 teaching, but no degree)
3. From experience which is better - monthly salary or hourly?
4. How easy/common is it to find positions in the same city/country of training?
5. This will sound like a dumb question, but it's not. Clothing - how much to bring if you're going to a 4-season region? I always bring my bike with me when I travel (that way I can tour when I want and don't have to worry about purchasing all the needed equipment again), which cuts down on space for packing. Any thoughts.
Thanks for any and all input.